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Car Rental - Rovaniemi
If you’re going to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus anywhere in the world it’ll be in Rovaniemi, his official hometown and the stunning capital of Finnish Lapland.
With car rental in Rovaniemi you can visit the local attractions, hop into the Arctic Circle and take in the breath-taking natural beauty as you travel around at your own pace. Once you have soaked up everything the city has to offer, head into the wider wonders of the region and discover even more of Finland.
We have various pick-up points for Rovaniemi car rental in the area, including at the airport, so you can get straight on the road and make the most of every second you are here.
You’ll find a wide range of vehicles that are suitable for your trip, whether you are taking the kids to see Santa or visiting for a romantic break with your loved one.
Simply make your selection online, reserve direct in advance, and start planning an adventure in this winter wonderland when you rent a car in Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi Locations
A Quick Guide to Rovaniemi
Situated on the very edges of the Arctic Circle, this intriguing city benefits from crisp white snow for at least half the year, while during the summer the sun barely sets or the nights are white.
As a result the activities never stop, so you have plenty of time to really get to know and experience this unique destination.
Explore the Santa Claus Village
Both kids and adults alike will love experiencing the true magic of Christmas, whatever time of year you visit. This is Santa’s hometown – and you’ll find him right here in the Santa Claus Village, just a 10-minute drive away when you rent a car from Rovaniemi.
As well as meeting Father Christmas and telling him what presents you are hoping for this year, you can also see the post office where all the letters arrive from across the world.
It is here that you can cross the Arctic Circle and purchase a certificate as a memento, as well as gifts from the festive-themed shops. To top it all off, you can hop on a snowmobile safari and pass through the snow-covered forest.
Stay in an Igloo or Snow Hotel
There aren’t many places in the world that enable you to stay in an igloo or snow hotel, so this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss while you are in Finland.
The Arctic SnowHotel in nearby Sinettä enables you to sleep on a bed made of snow and ice and is carved to look different every year. Alternatively, stay in one of the glass igloos and fall asleep under the stars. If you are lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights from your bed. There are plenty of parking spaces for your Rovaniemi rental car in the area, and most of them are free to use.
See the Northern Lights
Finland is one of the best places to see the magnificent Northern Lights.
They are a natural phenomenon, and it can’t be guaranteed that you’ll spot them, but you have an incredibly high chance here in Rovaniemi. They can be seen for around 150 nights every year.
If you are keen to see the captivating colors light up the sky, then make sure you plan your trip sometime between August and April. If they appear, it will usually be between 10pm and 2am. There are even guided tours that will take you on a hunt to discover the lights. Alternatively, if you are looking for them under your own steam, the city’s Arctic Garden is a great place to try.
Meet the Huskies and Reindeer
You won’t be flying through the sky in a sleigh pulled by reindeer – that’s just for Santa. But you can experience the next best thing with these magnificent creatures, as they pull you on a sleigh through the snow. Reindeer are intrinsically linked with this part of the world, and you won’t want to leave without meeting them.
Meanwhile, dog lovers can get the chance to meet not only Siberian Huskies but their puppies too. Once you have spent some time with the dogs at the Arctic Circle Husky Park and taken photos, you can also enjoy a short sleigh ride. If you would like to go on a longer one, you can reserve this in advance.
Collect your rental car from Rovaniemi, explore every corner of Santa’s hometown and get into the Christmas spirit, when you visit this magical destination.
Driving In and Around Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is Lapland’s largest city, and its unique surroundings make it a destination like no other. The landscape is covered in snow and ice for much of the year – when you rent a car from Rovaniemi, you’ll find it an extremely magical place to drive around.
It’s so committed to its identity that following World War Two, the streets were rebuilt and re-designed to form the shape of a reindeer’s head, complete with antlers. If you see the Keskuskenttä Stadium, this is the eye, while the roads heading south, north and west are the antlers.
Rovaniemi is well connected to the rest of Finland and only a short distance from the airport. The E75 passes through it, taking you up towards the north and down towards the south. The 78, 79 and 81 all meet in the center of Rovaniemi, taking you out of the city in different directions.
Take the E75 heading south in your Rovaniemi rental car and it’ll lead you to Santa Claus Village – you can be there in only around four minutes from the airport and eight minutes from Rovaniemi itself, depending on traffic. This city is known as the gateway to Lapland, and this road will take you directly into the region if you venture further beyond.
Driving around Finland in a Rovaniemi rental car in the heart of winter is a spectacular experience. It’s the epitome of Christmas and a wonderful experience to look at the blanket of white that covers the trees alongside you.
However, be sure to take extra care when driving in the snowy conditions and be aware of ice. You are also likely to be driving in the dark at some points, as the days are short here. Make sure you watch out for reindeer and moose in the road too – especially in the spring and fall.
